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The negroes whose names are signed below having been informed of their Status, have determined voluntarily to remain with William H Atkinson until the expiration ofthe present year, have entered into the following contract or agreement with him the Said Atkinson viz
1st  The Said negroes are to continue to do the labor, and all the necessary duties on the premises and for on with industry integrity and zeal.
2d  The Said Atkinson is to give them as compensation for so doing, Food, Suitable clothing, Houses medical attention and fuel, and in addition thereto one Tenth part of the crop of Corn, Fodder, Peas, Potatoes, Ground Peas and syrup gathered; this part to be distributed to them pro rated according to justice and equity and the merits of each individual employed to be determined in any fair and equitable manner.  The afternoon of Saturdays, and the whole of Sundays shall be at the disposal of the negroes unless some necessity should arise, but said negroes are not to leave the premises, without permission of said Atkinson, and for any misconduct, or great neglect, or laziness, the said negroes are to be punished or driven away